A tornado hit the Branson area, including the main strip aka Hwy 76, tearing up theaters and businesses. If you're planning a trip to Branson in the next few weeks, you night want to re-think it. The storm hit at 1:35am this morning and reports are still comingi but it sounds like there was a lot of significant damage.

dbbls wrote:Pictures look like mostly debris. No buildings structurally damaged. Branson will be back up and running again in a few weeks.

I'm glad you're optimistic but the photos and reports on the Facebook page set up this morning says otherwise. There were buildings destroyed, including parts of the Branson Mall. There's a photo of a building in the heart of Hwy 76 on the News-Leader page I linked to and it sure looks like damage to me.

Edited to add that I just learned that the Walmart store and the Jubliee store were completely destroyed. Reports are still coming in since the tornado struck at 1:35am, people are just now beginning to see all the damage.

The Springfield MO newspaper stated there was a RV overturned in the Walmart parking lot but did not comment on Walmart being destroyed. The tornado also hit Kimberling City, Pittsburg KS and Lamar MO. Too many tornados when you live so close to Joplin, as I do.

Somewhere greener, somewhere warmer,Up in the mountains, down by the ocean,Where don't matter long as we're goin'

ngreen wrote:The Springfield MO newspaper stated there was a RV overturned in the Walmart parking lot but did not comment on Walmart being destroyed. The tornado also hit Kimberling City, Pittsburg KS and Lamar MO. Too many tornados when you live so close to Joplin, as I do.

We've lived in Springfield for 31 years and have had several go through over the years. There are more reports on KY3 web site with photos. The Branson Landing took a direct hit and there's a lot of damage there. The Hilton Hotel in particular sustained major damage. Quite a few homes in that area are reported to be heavily damaged too. Someone in the comments on FB reported that the lodge they were staying in for a fishing tournament was destroyed but they didn't give the name of the lodge. The reports coming in on the FB page reported on the Walmart and the Jubilee stores. The News-Leader is slow as usual.

The Kimberling City Inn has some damage, including their sign that's been there for many years. There are photos of destroyed homes near there too. I read that the tornado also touched down at Indian Point but I haven't found any more info on that. Silver Dollar City is in that area as it a large marina at the lake and dozens of homes.

I think as the day progresses there will be more reports on how extensive the damage will be.

My DW and I just volunteered to workcamp in Branson this summer. Having second thoughts.

By summer tornado season will be over. The damage seems to be isolated to Kimberling City, downtown Branson and the heart of Hwy 76. Other reports say all is okay. No need to panic and re-think your plans.